NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces an emergency closure of the Judge Seeber (Claiborne Avenue) Bridge due to mechanical malfunction.

Earlier this morning, the bridge had just opened to vehicular traffic after letting a marine vessel pass when a road barrier on the bridge suddenly failed causing it to strike a commercial vehicle. The bridge is currently closed to vehicular traffic until further notice while DOTD assesses the damage and required repair. It will reopen later today with a crew staged as a protective barrier until the repair can be completed.

Scheduled work at the St. Claude Bridge has been suspended during the Seeber closure, so motorists may use it as a detour or the nearby Florida Avenue Bridge.

All repair activity is weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. DOTD appreciates the motoring public’s patience and reminds drivers to please exercise caution when traveling through work zone areas and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking or biking near the active work zone.

Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at http://www.511la.org/. Additionally, real-time around-the-clock New Orleans traffic updates can be accessed via Twitter @NOLA_Traffic.